The MCC has announced a set of updated rules on Tuesday (February 3). With a total of 73 meaningful changes in 10 rules. The updated rule is effective in October 2026. In the meantime, there will be enough time to become familiar with the new rules.
MCC has updated the rules keeping in mind modern cricket. Now, cricket is faster and more popular than before. The fast-paced nature and widespread popularity of the game has influenced updates to some extent.
List of new rules approved by MCC to come into effect from October this year:
1. Ball size and weight:
The size and weight of the ball will depend on the type of cricket. The MCC has set three levels in this regard: Size 1, Size 2, and Size 3. 3. While Size 1 is mostly suggested for men’s cricket, the other two types of balls will be used in junior and women’s cricket. The MCC noted, “Indeed, a smaller women’s ball was smaller and lighter than a larger junior ball, which could have allowed manufacturers to create a ball that was suitable for both categories.”
2. Rules for laminated bats:
As the prices of bats are increasing, MCC has decided to legalize laminated bats for adult group cricket as well. Laminated bats will cost less than wooden, non-laminated bats.
MCC described, “Type D bats, which can be laminated, are now allowed for open-age cricket rather than just junior cricket. This is part of an effort to slow the rising costs of bats around the world.”
3. Rule 12.5.2 – The last over of the day’s play shall not end if there is a wicket:
This rule can impact multi-day matches in a big way. To maintain the flow of the match, the MCC said in its official statement that if a bowler takes a wicket in the last over of the day, the bowling team will be allowed to complete the over. For them, the batting side will have to send a new batsman on the field to play the remaining balls of the over.
MCC said, “Letting the incoming batsman off the hook – at a time when conditions are often more favorable for bowling. The new change means the final over of the day will be bowled in full.”
4. Explanation of Laws 18.5.1 and 18.5.2—Short Term:
A section of cricket fans may already be aware of this rule, as it has already been adopted by the ICC. The rule is to prevent batsmen from stealing runs by running low in the crease. If the fielding side feels that a batsman is deliberately running short on the pitch then it can appeal to the umpire.
“Deliberate short running is generally an attempt to create a certain batsman being on strike, and thereby reduces the chances of gaining such an advantage,” the official release said.
5. Law 19.5.2 – Determining Limits:
This is another law that has already been adopted by the ICC. This rule is to prohibit fielders from ‘bonny hop’ attempts. This rule will eliminate some spectacular catches from outside the rope. Under this rule, a fielder will not be permitted to touch the ball outside the boundary line, which goes into the air only once and then, having done so, remains completely within the boundary for the rest of the duration of that delivery.
The MCC further stated, “Even if the ball is stopped – near another fielder or inside the field of play – if the fielder falls out of bounds or subsequently steps out, a boundary will be drawn.”
6. Law 19.8 – Overthrow:
This rule is meant to draw a clear line between the concept of overthrow and misfield. The MCC clearly mentions that if a fielder throws the ball at the stumps in an attempt to run out the batsman or score. And an act on the field will be a misfield if “a fielder attempts to stop the ball or pass it to another fielder close to the boundary – this should not be regarded as an overthrow.”
7. Law 20.1.1.1 – A new definition of ‘finally decided’:
This is a very important rule for all cricketers. This law is meant to redefine the situation when a ball can be said to be finally settled. It is often seen that batsmen fail to judge whether the momentum is maintained after the ball is bowled or not.
Explaining the new rule, MCC said, “The ball no longer has to be in the hands of the bowler or the wicketkeeper for final disposal. It can be in the hands of any fielder or stationary person on the ground. This gives umpires the freedom to make appropriate decisions when the ball is dead, even if a fielder or a batsman is still attempting to play.”
8. Rule 27.3.1 – Position of the wicketkeeper:
This is an interesting change in the rules. This rule states what will be the position of the wicketkeeper at the time of leaving the ball. The rule has changed, as some keepers sometimes preferred to place their gloves in front of the stumps. The MCC has stated in its updated rules that the wicketkeeper must be completely behind the stumps as soon as the ball is released. This brings the words in line with the fielder’s position.
9. Rules 35.1.1 and 35.2 – Hit wicket:
The latest rule states that if a batsman falls on the stumps while attempting to play the ball, it will be considered a hit wicket. But if the batsman comes in contact with another player and falls on the stumps then it will not be considered as hit wicket. To make the final decision, the umpires have to see whether the situation is accidental or intentional.
10. Appendices A2.7 and A2.8 – Full control of the ball held and held in the fielder’s hand:
This rule can save a batsman a lot of time. MCC has made it clear that the fielder has to hold the ball with complete control during run-out or stumping.
According to the law, “For a ball to be considered to be in the fielder’s hand – which is important for a run-out or stumping – the ball must be caught. When breaking the stump it cannot merely touch the fielder’s hand; he must actually catch it with complete control”.
To see more details, click here
To download a document detailing the ten key changes, please click here.
The full document, which includes all 73 changes to the laws, can be found here, and a document explaining each change is available here.
The full 2026 version of the 2017 Code of Laws can be viewed here.
Read more about MCC laws here.
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